Josh Giddey Speaks Out as Police Intensify Probe Into Underage Allegations — Latest Updates

Aussie guard Josh Giddey reignited the Chicago Bulls’ season on Friday night, pouring in 26 points, dishing 11 assists and grabbing seven rebounds as Chicago edged the Charlotte Hornets 129-126 to halt a seven-game skid. The 23-year-old orchestrated a 13-point second-half fight-back, scoring a high-arcing lay-up with 39 seconds left that ultimately sealed the result and reminded the league why his All-Star buzz was deafening in November. Yet the victory came against a backdrop of turbulence. After opening 6-1, the Bulls crashed to 9-14 amid mounting questions over roster balance, rim protection and coach Billy Donovan’s future. US commentators have labelled Chicago’s handling of assets around Giddey “rudderless” and even a “fireable offence,” citing the franchise’s decision to bypass trade packages and watching the offense sink to 27th in efficiency during the slump. Even so, Giddey is averaging career-best numbers—20.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists—trailing only Nikola Jokić for triple-doubles this season, a stat line that keeps him firmly in the Eastern Conference All-Star conversation. Off the court, the Melburnian’s profile spiked further when he laced up sneakers scrawled with “Australia ♥” to honour victims of the Bondi Beach attack before Monday’s game against New Orleans. Although Chicago fell 114-104 and Giddey managed just 11 points, the gesture lit up social media feeds worldwide and underscored the playmaker’s growing leadership beyond the hardwood. With the skid snapped and a peloton of national votes pouring in, Giddey and the Bulls now eye a tricky stretch featuring Cleveland and Philadelphia. If Friday’s fourth-quarter heroics mark the true turning point, Chicago’s playoff hopes—and Giddey’s maiden All-Star berth—may be back on schedule just in time for holiday headline season.